Tributes Paid to Cheltenham Festival Superstar Shishkin as Henderson Announces his Death

Nicky Henderson has announced the tragic passing of the cherished racehorse Shishkin due to an injury sustained at Seven Barrows. He paid respects to the horse, describing him as a "warrior."

The 10-year-old was set to participate in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup this Wednesday.

Shishkin achieved 14 wins in 21 races throughout his career, including notable victories at the Cheltenham Festival—winning the 2020 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Arkle the next season. His Grade One successes also featured a notable victory over Energumene in the 2022 Clarence House Chase at Ascot. This season was filled with highs and lows for his team, with Shishkin notably refusing to start at Ascot and later unseating his rider, Nico de Boinville, during the King George when in the lead.

His last triumph was in the Denman Chase at Newbury in February, followed by a fourth-place finish in his final race at the Aintree Bowl.

Henderson shared these thoughts in a statement on X:

“Tragically we have lost Shishkin this evening after he got cast in his stable and fractured his hind leg.

“Everyone involved with Seven Barrows, particularly his owners, Joe and Marie Donnelly, Jaydon, Nico and George are obviously devastated that such a great horse, friend and warrior has gone.

“He was due to leave for Punchestown tomorrow morning but sadly this is now not to be.

“He was an absolute superstar and his CV is testament to that – except the King George is not in it, even though we believe it should have been.

“The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Arkle were his Cheltenham highlights, but the battle with Energumene in the Clarence House at Ascot was probably his greatest.

“This is a very sad night. He was our star and we will never forget him. Thank you Shishkin for the wonderful memories.”